Leicestershire’s tranquil villages must have been about as different to the hell of the First World War front line as you could get.

However, I was interested to learn of one county village that used laughs and entertainment to raise funds for the troops – and a century on, are doing so again.

Back in 1917, a crowded, enthusiastic audience of villagers in Hoby, near Melton Mowbray, enjoyed a night of light-hearted entertainment to raise funds for the Lord Mayor of Leicester’s Fund, created to assist physically and mentally-injured returning troops.

The night was reported as follows: “Entertainment – with the objective of supporting the Mayor of Leicester’s £100,000 fund, an entertainment organised by Mr and Mrs Taylor, of Rotherby and Mrs James, of Hoby, was given in the school room on Saturday evening.

“Mr Edwin James presided over a crowded audience and the efforts of the performers met with enthusiastic recognition. The vocalists were Miss Seddon and Miss Sharman. A couple of playlets, Mechanical Jane and ‘A Pretty Bequest were given by Miss Sheffield, Miss James and Messers R L and G J Taylor, Mrs E B Bailey and Miss Wykes acting as accompanists.

Local men: The war memorial in Hoby Church, which contains 11 names of village men who were killed in the First World War.

“The amateur dramatics, and notably Miss Sheffield, showed notable ability and a desire has been expressed that the plays may be repeated in the neighbourhood for the same worthy object.”

The positive newspaper reviews said it should be repeated again in the neighbourhood. So, albeit 100 years on, the Hoby and District History Society is doing just that, on two evenings in September.

With the support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the society is reenacting that evening’s entertainment.

A full programme will feature musical songs of the period, a very amusing comic recitation by W S Gilbert and a new staging of the original two short playlets rediscovered by the society: one about two confirmed bachelor brothers doing their best to avoid marriage to a young heiress and the other about two women trying to cope with a robotic domestic helper – this could have been written today!

This event will recreate the community spirit that the parish had when trying to find some respite in the midst of traumatic times. Donations received on the evening will go to the military charities supporting injured personnel today.

Hoby Entertains Again: Curtain’s Up – 100 Years Late, will take place on Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23, at 7.30pm, in the village hall, Main Street, Hoby. All are welcome: period dress is optional. A bar with refreshments will be available. Entry is free, but bookings need to be made in advance by phoning 01664 434482 or 01664 434422.